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Émile Durkheim

Thorfinn Thorsson

  • Japanese Name: トルフィン (Torufin)
  • Nickname: Karlsefni
  • Franchise:Vinland Saga
  • Titles: Warrior, Trader, Explorer
  • Parents: Thors Snorresson (father), Helga (mother)

Émile Durkheim
Born
David Émile Durkheim

(1858-04-15)15 April 1858

Épinal, France
Died 15 November 1917(1917-11-15)(aged 59)

Paris,France
Nationality French
Alma mater École Normale Supérieure
Known for Sacred–profane dichotomy
Collective consciousness
Social fact
Social integration
Anomie
Collective effervescence
Scientific career
Fields Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies
Institutions University of Paris, University of Bordeaux
Influences Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill
Influenced Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1]

Background and Role

Thorfinn Thorsson, the protagonist of Vinland Saga, is a character deeply shaped by his journey through vengeance, redemption, and his desire to find peace. Born in Iceland as the son of the legendary Jomsviking warrior Thors Snorresson, Thorfinn’s life changes when he witnesses his father’s death at the hands of the cunning mercenary leader, Askeladd. Driven by an insatiable thirst for revenge, he joins Askeladd’s band, staying close to his father’s killer and engaging in endless battles.

In his years with Askeladd, Thorfinn becomes a highly skilled but cold warrior, with his relentless pursuit of revenge slowly eroding his humanity. When Askeladd dies at the hands of King Canute, Thorfinn’s purpose collapses, leaving him lost. This eventually leads to his enslavement after he attacks Canute in a rage. During his time as a slave, Thorfinn reflects on his past, finding a new purpose in life and vowing to build a world free of violence.

A collection of Durkheim's courses on the origins of socialism (1896), edited and published by his nephew, Marcel Mauss, in 1928

With age and wisdom etched into his features, Thorfinn Thorsson stands as a man shaped by a lifetime of hardship and resilience, his gaze now softened by peace and a resolve to leave violence behind.

Journey Toward Vinland

After gaining his freedom, Thorfinn embarks on a journey inspired by childhood tales of Vinland from Leif Ericson. Together with his friend Einar, he seeks to create a peaceful settlement, free from war and slavery. They travel to Greece, working for several years to earn the resources necessary for the journey. After years of perseverance, Thorfinn and his companions finally reach Vinland, where they establish Arnheid Village, symbolizing his transformation from a vengeance-driven warrior to a visionary peacemaker.

Personality and Development

Thorfinn’s character arc is one of resilience and transformation. Initially a wrathful, vengeful young man, he learns empathy and forgiveness through his experiences, especially as a slave. His relationship with Einar, who becomes his close friend, is pivotal in helping Thorfinn rekindle his humanity and find purpose beyond vengeance. By the time he reaches Vinland, Thorfinn has become a figure of wisdom and peace, fully dedicated to realizing a dream of a harmonious society.

Relationships

Thors Snorresson

Thorfinn’s father, a revered warrior who desired a peaceful life. His death becomes the driving force behind Thorfinn’s journey and personal struggle.

Askeladd

Thorfinn’s mentor and enemy, responsible for Thors’ death. Their complex relationship is marked by both hatred and reluctant respect, leaving a lasting impact on Thorfinn’s psyche.

Einar

Thorfinn’s friend and companion during his enslavement, who helps him let go of vengeance and find hope in creating a better life.

Leif Ericson

A family friend who introduces Thorfinn to the dream of Vinland and serves as a guiding figure on his journey.

Trivia and Insights

  • Historical Basis: Thorfinn is inspired by the real-life Norse explorer Thorfinn Karlsefni, who attempted to establish a settlement in North America.
  • Vinland’s Symbolism: InVinland Saga, Vinland is portrayed as a land free of violence, symbolizing Thorfinn’s personal quest for inner peace and a world without war or oppression.
  • Combat Skills: Despite renouncing violence, Thorfinn’s combat abilities remain unmatched, a remnant of his years as a fierce warrior and a testament to his strength and discipline.
  • Inspirational Influence: Thorfinn’s character and transformation have inspired fans ofVinland Saga, with his arc highlighting themes of forgiveness, resilience, and the pursuit of a better world.
  • Symbolic Dream: Thorfinn’s dream of Vinland, born from Leif Ericson’s stories, becomes not only a literal destination but a metaphor for his spiritual journey and transformation into a figure of peace.

Thorfinn’s story inVinland Sagaserves as a moving narrative on growth, forgiveness, and the pursuit of a better world. From a child driven by vengeance to the founder of Arnheid Village, his journey exemplifies how one’s choices can lead to profound change, embodying a timeless exploration of redemption and peace.